Top Result: Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM II Lens

Match Score

99%

Pros

Sharp enough to shave with
Nearly perfect optical quality
No, seriously, it's perfect

Cons

Tripod collar is cumbersome when handheld
Makes grown men and women cry like children when unboxing
Makes grown men and women cry like children when they see the price

Note From Jim

This is a tough choice. Personally, I'd save the money and get the Tamron 70-200 because it's so much less expensive and is 95 percent as good as the Canon. But that Canon is SOOO good that it's tough to pass up. If you are concerned with weight (and a 70-200 is very heavy when you're shooting all day), then the f/4 is another good option.

Option 2: Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Lens for Canon

Match Score

97%

Pros

Excellent sharpness
Smaller and lighter than the Canon version
Good build quality
MUCH less expensive than the Canon

Cons

Some issues with consistency between copies
Very slightly less sharp than the Canon

Option 3: Canon 70-200mm f/4L IS Lens

Match Score

87%

Pros

Image stabilization
Very lightweight compared to a 70-200 f/2.8
Excellent image quality
Excellent build quality

Cons

Slower aperture means not as good in low light